HOW YOU CAN HELP

George Washington must be spinning in his grave.

Probably the most powerful politician of all time, George Washington voluntarily left office after two terms, voluntarily walking away from his office.  Washington established the two term precedent because he understood that power corrupts, and that democracy – the will of the people – will not function properly when one person monopolizes an office.

The House of Representatives was intended to be the institution of our government closest to the citizens by being a body of citizen-legislators.  In the 19th century incumbency rates (the ratio of incumbents returning to office) was near 40%, meaning six out of every ten congressmen left office every two years.   Moreover, this was a period in history when the House of Representatives was the most powerful institution in government.

If we are serious about wanting change in Washington, there is only one way to get it – replace the people who are in Washington.

The times in recent history we have seen change come to Washington coincide with legislators who have term limited themselves.   The Republican class of 1994 was dominated by members who term limited themselves and promoted Congressional term limits.

It's really common sense:  Term limits will control of the House of Representatives to the people.  It will draw more and more Americans into politics.   And it will change the culture of Washington, dominated by people who live in Washington and stay in Washington.

The National Taxpayer's Union has shown that the longer members serve in Congress, the more likely they are to spend our money wastefully.  Little wonder:   They are surrounded by lobbyists who treat them like royalty, buy them meals and send them on lavish trips around the world.  Congressmen who stay for decades take millions of dollars in campaign contributions from these lobbyists and their organizations.   Companies wouldn't spend so much money on lobbying if it didn't work.  Little wonder our national debt is spiraling out of control. 

Finally, term limits and a citizen legislature will return competitiveness to elections.  The House of Representatives wasn't created to include people who serve virtually uncontested for 30 years. 

As a Republican, Jim believes in competition:  Competition in the marketplace, and competition in politics.

And he believes that the only way we're going to change Washington is to change the people who are in Washington.